When Paint and Wine Come Together

HALEY ADAMS

I recently spent an evening at Corks N Canvas (multiple locations, CorksNCanvas.com) with some friends from work. The premise behind the place and many others like it around the country is simple: combine an art class with wine and you’ve got yourself a party.

At Corks N Canvas, classes are offered throughout the week, but with 15 people you can reserve the space for your own private party and choose what you want to paint.

When I walked in, the room reminded me of the art room in middle school for that art class everyone had to take. There were small easels set up, a white erase board was at the front and there were paintings hanging on the walls. Off to the side was a long counter where we put plates of food and wine for everyone to share. While the place is BYOW, the staff at Corks N Canvas did supply wine openers.

When the class started, we all sat down at an easel with a canvas, paint brushes and paper plates for paint palettes. The staff at Corks N Canvas organized everything before we got there, and they provided aprons to protect our party clothes.

It was a little intimidating at first since I had very limited painting experience, plus the wine in my hand probably wasn’t going to help me find any hidden talents. But the instructor who taught the two-hour class gave very clear, step-by-step directions, brushing away any intimidation factor. The instructor and another staff member also offered their expertise and trained hands to help fix any blunders we made on our future masterpiece. In the end, we all took home a decent painting and everyone seemed a little surprised how well each one turned out.

Overall, the evening was a fun way to spend time with friends, and offered a nice alternative to the “girls night out” formula that usually takes place at a bar or someone’s house. The only downside was when I noticed some paint on my dress and my purse when I got home. I frantically went to Facebook and asked for recommendations about getting it out. Apparently cotton balls soaked in hairspray gets paint off of leather.

I would recommend an evening at Corks N Canvas to anyone looking for a way to mix up a night out, just make sure you leave your fancy clothes at home or keep them far from the paint.

More Local Places To Try:

Poster Special at Fleur de Lis Framing & Gifts

Fleur de Lis Framing & Gifts, boasting a collection of 2,000 custom frame mouldings and mattes, is offering a special: $99 for a custom-framed poster. They also offer locally made gifts that celebrate the fleur-de-lis and other New Orleans icons. Recently added are French Quarter Candles, previously only available in the French Market, made locally using 100 percent soy. – Mirella Cameran

Omega Hospital to provide Genetic Testing for Cancer

Omega Hospital in Metairie will be introducing the latest genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancers. The Metairie-based hospital is a leading Greater New Orleans surgery center, with one wing dedicated to breast surgery. Dr. Bob Allen, a plastic surgeon specializing in microsurgical breast reconstruction, has pioneered advancements in breast reconstruction that have been adopted worldwide.

Surgeons Ali Sadeghi and Eliana Soto work alongside Allen to provide exemplary breast care. They are part of a 50-physician team, providing care in more than 19 specialties. – M.C.

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